Microsoft Surface Go review

The Microsoft Surface Go currently has an Informr score of 7.7 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 44
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

If you’re looking for a well-designed productivity or media consumption device for both work and play, the Surface Go is a great pick -- just be sure to consider the added price of the Type Cover keyboard.

What's good

Bright, crisp display

Sturdy design

Compatible with Windows Software

Ultra portable

microSD support

What's bad

Keyboard case not included

Only one USB port (and it’s USB Type-C, not Type-A)

Manufacturers have made the promise of a 2-in-1 device that provided all the perks of a tablet and a laptop in a single handy device plenty of times in the past. While Microsoft’s Surface Pro 5 and Apple’s iPad Pro 12.9 offer a compelling experience, they’re far from budget-friendly. With the release of the Microsoft Surface Go, they’re trying to bring a refined 2-in-1 experience at an affordable price.

The Go features the same solid magnesium body with an integrated kickstand as it’s larger, pricier siblings. Weighing 522g (1.15lbs), reviewers had no problem tossing it in their bags or holding it in one hand during extended work, reading, or streaming sessions. The new design features more rounding on the corners, but otherwise just scales the Surface experience down to an ultra-portable size.

Around front, you’re greeted by a 10-inch 1800-by-1200 pixel LCD panel. While reviewers loved the color, brightness, and crispness, they were not as fond of the large bezels surrounding the screen. But many noted that once you slot the Surface Go into a Type Cover keyboard, the bezels make a little more sense.

To help reduce the price, Microsoft powered the tablet with a 1.6Ghz Intel Pentium Gold processor. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find either 4GB to 8GB of RAM. While many reviewers found the 4GB model acceptable, they all agreed that the 8GB model offers greater flexibility in terms of multitasking and using the Go as a PC.

Regardless of the choice, this isn’t a setup for high-end gaming or video editing. But for streaming video, checking email, using Office 365, playing casual games, and just general daily tasks, it’s more than capable of keeping things clipping along at a respectable pace. CNet notes, “In our benchmark testing, this system hits the middle ground in budget PCs -- a bit faster than comparable budget Pentium laptops, but not as fast as a basic Intel Core i3 laptop.”

The Go ships with either 64GB of eMMC storage or 128GB of solid-state drive storage. The upgrade to the 128GB model does not just bring more space, but the storage itself is faster. Both choices offer microSD support for cards up to 1TB though. So, there’s plenty of room for files and media.

Out of the box, the tablet runs Windows 10 in S Mode. Essentially, this is a stripped down mode that only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. And for casual users, this might be everything needed.

If you’d like to install Chrome, or the Kindle app, or test out a game on Steam, you must disable S mode. This is an easy switch you can make in the Microsoft Store for free. But you cannot re-enable S mode again. Reviewers note there’s little downside to turning off S mode in terms of battery life or performance though.

The tablet includes an 8MP rear camera with 5MP front-facing lens. Apart from mentioning that Microsoft Hello face recognition and video chat worked fine, reviewers had little to say about the cameras. But based on the specs, they’ll be fine for communications or productivity use -- just don’t expect them to keep up with a standalone camera or flagship phone.

The Go offers a good audio experience. There are front-facing stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack to provide plenty of volume and flexibility. While the speakers lack bass, reviewers found them loud and well-balanced overall.

If you’re looking to get the most out the Go, reviewers recommend the Type Cover keyboard case. But it’ll set you back a fair sum. Despite the price, reviewers loved the keyboard's design and found it enjoyable to use despite its smaller size.

The Surface Pen received good reviews as well. Most reviewers recommended it for drawing or writing and praised the pressure sensitivity and minimal lag.

The tablet includes USB Type-C charging and an undisclosed battery capacity. But reviews found it good for just over 6 hours of video streaming and 4 to 5 hours for mixed or productivity use. So you’ll want to keep an external battery pack or power outlet nearby for extended sessions. But for quick use out and about, it offers plenty of power.

The biggest complaint about the Surface Go was the price of the Type Cover case. Many considered it essential and thought it should be included with the tablet. Otherwise, reviewers found the tablet a joy to use.

The Guardian says, “You won’t be playing any graphically intensive games on it, or fancy trying to edit a movie on it, but browsing, using web apps in a desktop-class browser, Office duties and even photo manipulation in a proper image editor such as Affinity Photo are workable with a little patience… You can get a lot more power for your money, but you’ll struggle to get as good an experience.”

Windows Central says, “If you're on the fence when it comes to a Surface Go, I'd suggest taking some time to go actually use one in a store. I wouldn't fuss with spec sheets, just go use one. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this machine.”

Windows

Operating system

Operating system

Windows

1.6 GHz

Processor

Processor

1.6 GHz

10"

Screen Size

Screen Size

10"

8+ MP

Camera

Camera

8+ MP

Unknown

Battery

What the Critics Are Saying...

The Surface Go will not satisfy everyone, but it is a capable sidekick when you know what you're getting in to, and you appreciate its extreme portability that doesn't quite have an immediate equal - at least not from a major player.

- PY Ho, HardwareZone

When you are out and about, having the right travel laptop can make or break your trip. This is especially true if your travels demand that you stay connected. When you are traveling with the Microsoft Surface Go, you have the ability to do both. You can get all your work done without having to worr...

- Nadia El, trekbible

If your work involves even the most basic form of computing then I’m sure that you will like the Surface Go. The only thing you need to understand is whether the S mode is right for you and if you think it isn’t then you should get the standard version immediately.

- Karthekayan Iyer, BGR

Microsoft’s Surface Go with LTE is a standout product, not just for front-line workers for whom it was envisioned, but for anyone who needs to work away from a desk or an office but needs to take a capable and connected PC with them that they can simply slide in a small bag or jacket pocket.

- Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla, Canadian Reviewer

Designed to keep you productive, the Microsoft Surface Go is for go-getters who want to get a PC like experience on the move. The display and impeccable touch experience complement the light chassis, while the USB Type-C port allows multiple accessories to be connected via a dongle. The optional Typ...

Rate It:

Critic Reviews

Great for lightweight work on-the-go

The Surface Go will not satisfy everyone, but it is a capable sidekick when you know what you're getting in to, and you appreciate its extreme portability that doesn't quite have an immediate equal - at least not from a major player.

The Surface Go will not satisfy everyone, but it is a capable sidekick when you know what you're getting in to, and you appreciate its extreme portability that doesn't quite have an immediate equal - at least not from a major player.

A tool that every traveler could use for daily activity

When you are out and about, having the right travel laptop can make or break your trip. This is especially true if your travels demand that you stay connected. When you are traveling with the Microsoft Surface Go, you have the ability to do both. You can get all your work done without having to worry about your technology failing you.

When you are out and about, having the right travel laptop can make or break your trip. This is especially true if your travels demand that you stay connected. When you are traveling with the Microsoft Surface Go, you have the ability to do both. You can get all your work done without having to worry about your technology failing you.

Compact, lightweight and perfect for on-the-go work

If your work involves even the most basic form of computing then I’m sure that you will like the Surface Go. The only thing you need to understand is whether the S mode is right for you and if you think it isn’t then you should get the standard version immediately.

If your work involves even the most basic form of computing then I’m sure that you will like the Surface Go. The only thing you need to understand is whether the S mode is right for you and if you think it isn’t then you should get the standard version immediately.

Microsoft’s Surface Go with LTE is a standout product, not just for front-line workers for whom it was envisioned, but for anyone who needs to work away from a desk or an office but needs to take a capable and connected PC with them that they can simply slide in a small bag or jacket pocket.

Microsoft’s Surface Go with LTE is a standout product, not just for front-line workers for whom it was envisioned, but for anyone who needs to work away from a desk or an office but needs to take a capable and connected PC with them that they can simply slide in a small bag or jacket pocket.

Productivity on the move

Designed to keep you productive, the Microsoft Surface Go is for go-getters who want to get a PC like experience on the move. The display and impeccable touch experience complement the light chassis, while the USB Type-C port allows multiple accessories to be connected via a dongle. The optional...More

Designed to keep you productive, the Microsoft Surface Go is for go-getters who want to get a PC like experience on the move. The display and impeccable touch experience complement the light chassis, while the USB Type-C port allows multiple accessories to be connected via a dongle. The optional Type Cover and Surface Pen make it a more compelling portable tablet PC, but the under-powered Intel processor and the high price in India might give you pause.

Ideal for writers and students

For now look at the Surface Go as an affordable on-the-go computing device for those who like to read and write. It could also be the device you buy for a high school or college student. Also, it is recommended that you pick up the 8GB/128GB version, even though it is a tad more expensive.

For now look at the Surface Go as an affordable on-the-go computing device for those who like to read and write. It could also be the device you buy for a high school or college student. Also, it is recommended that you pick up the 8GB/128GB version, even though it is a tad more expensive.

Only for Windows purists

The Microsoft Surface Go is not exactly meant to replace your Windows laptop and neither is it a device for your entertainment needs. It is simply an extension of the Windows ecosystem that allows to be more productive on-the-go. It still continues to be a luxury that gives you a slight edge of having things right at your fingertips.

The Microsoft Surface Go is not exactly meant to replace your Windows laptop and neither is it a device for your entertainment needs. It is simply an extension of the Windows ecosystem that allows to be more productive on-the-go. It still continues to be a luxury that gives you a slight edge of having things right at your fingertips.

The most portable Surface tablet

It's compact, it's light, and it's just comfortable. The Type Cover keyboard is really comfortable as well, and I hope to see future Surface Pro Type Covers adopt the same shallower keys. But the main sacrifice is the performance. Starting at $399, the Surface Go packs an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y...More

It's compact, it's light, and it's just comfortable. The Type Cover keyboard is really comfortable as well, and I hope to see future Surface Pro Type Covers adopt the same shallower keys. But the main sacrifice is the performance. Starting at $399, the Surface Go packs an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, and sadly, that just doesn't cut it.

One of the best work-focused tablets

It's a solid option for those who type a lot, though you will have to pay extra for the Alcantara keyboard. It's a great way to get a desktop-class operating system in a portable and inexpensive device — though keep in mind that you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 Home if you want to download third-party apps from the web.

It's a solid option for those who type a lot, though you will have to pay extra for the Alcantara keyboard. It's a great way to get a desktop-class operating system in a portable and inexpensive device — though keep in mind that you will need to upgrade to Windows 10 Home if you want to download third-party apps from the web.

A tablet with the functionality of a desktop PC on the go

As a tablet the Surface Go is fully functional although Microsoft needs to work on having Windows 10 much more tablet/touch friendly. Navigating a standard Chrome browser by hand is not as easy as you would think. For reading books etc the tablet was just fine — there are many third party apps...More

As a tablet the Surface Go is fully functional although Microsoft needs to work on having Windows 10 much more tablet/touch friendly. Navigating a standard Chrome browser by hand is not as easy as you would think. For reading books etc the tablet was just fine — there are many third party apps available for Windows 10 via their app store but I feel that Microsoft need to push more tablet friendly additions to the store.

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